A lawyer's commentary on cultural property law, antiquities trafficking, art and cultural heritage crimes, legal issues in museum administration, and museum risk management. The materials presented on this site are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as legal advice applicable to the reader’s specific situation. The provision of information to the reader in no way constitutes an attorney-client relationship.

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Saturday, March 10, 2012

The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York has denied Salem Alshdaifat's request to move the trial from the Empire State to his home state of Michigan. Alshdaifat is charged in the case ofUnited States v. Khouli et al.with participating in an antiquities smuggling ring along with three other co-defendants. Like any defendant, Alshdaifat is presumed innocence unless the prosecution proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Alshdaifat's attorney filed amotion in November to move the court case to Detroit's federal court, citing personal and financial hardships. The prosecution objected. In a February 12, 2012 pleading, Assistant United States Attorney Karin Orenstein argued, among other points, that venue in New York is presumed to be proper, that having multiple trials in two separate circuit jurisdictions is unreasonably cumbersome, and that handling and presenting delicate cultural artifact evidence favors presenting the case in New York.

2015 ABA Journal Blawg 100 Honoree

2014 ABA Journal Blawg 100 Honoree

2014 Daniel Webster International Lawyer of the Year award given to Rick St. Hilaire

"Rick St. Hilaire, who has become an authority on cultural heritage law, received the International Law Section’s 2014 Daniel Webster International Lawyer of the Year award at an Oct. 30 reception in Manchester, hosted by Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green." - NH Bar News, November 19, 2014

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Rick St. Hilaire is among those featured in Josh Knelman's book, Hot Art

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